Rafael Leao Bids Farewell to AC Milan as He Sets Off for Galatasaray
Former AC Milan forward Rafael Leao expressed his feelings about leaving the club, admitting he would have preferred to say goodbye on the pitch in front of fans as he departs for Galatasaray. Leao, whose transfer was confirmed today for a reported fee of €43-45 million, plus an additional €2 million in add-ons and a future sale percentage of 20-25%, reflected on his time in Milan with gratitude.
Leao, who reportedly received an offer from Aston Villa that did not meet the expectations of Milan or himself, is expected to earn €12 million per season in Turkey. There were reports that he might attend the San Siro to farewell the crowd after Milan’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Venezia, but ultimately, his departure was a private affair.
“I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia. “The club always helped me, and it made me understand what it means to represent a great team like Milan. I would have appreciated a different send-off, to say goodbye on the field once again in front of the fans, especially those who supported me during tough times.”
Leao stated he will forever cherish his memories of AC Milan. “I will remain in the history of the club because I know what I achieved here. I will carry in my heart all those who helped me; all I can do is thank them. This is life; we learn and say goodbye. It is not a love affair that ended, as my love for Milan will never end. I will keep watching from afar.”
When asked about his happiest memory with the club, he highlighted the significance of winning trophies. “When you win trophies, these are memories that last. I will remember those until the end,” referring to the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana he won during his tenure.
Leao admitted that making a decision to leave was difficult, expressing confidence in Milan’s future under new coaching. “Milan remains Milan, with a high-level team and a great coach. I will continue to watch Milan from a distance and wish them all the best,” he stated.
As he embarks on this new chapter, the Galatasaray directors arrived at Milan’s airport in a private jet, ready to take Leao to Turkey to begin his adventure.
Rafael Leao admits he ‘would’ve preferred to say goodbye on the field in front of the fans’ and his ‘love for Milan will never end’ as he flies out for Galatasaray.
The agreement was reached today for a reported fee of €43-45m plus €2m add-ons and a 20-25 per cent cut of the future sale.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
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He also had a proposal from Aston Villa, but their bid did not satisfy the Rossoneri or the player, who is expected to earn €12m per season in Istanbul.
It was reported that Leao would be at San Siro tonight and be given the opportunity to salute the crowd around the 2-0 Serie A victory against Venezia, but it didn’t happen and his farewell remained private.
Leao waves goodbye to Milan
DUBLIN, IRELAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Leao of Portugal reacts after the team’s defeat during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
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“Yes, it is a difficult moment,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia.
“I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years with them. The club always helped me, it helped me to grow and made me understand what a high level is, representing a great club like Milan.
“The moment has come to say goodbye. I would’ve preferred a different salute, to say goodbye on the field once again in front of the fans, those who helped me especially during the moments that weren’t so good.
“I will remain in the history of the club, because I know what I achieved here. I will carry in my heart all those who helped me, all I can do is thank them.
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“This is life, we learn, we say goodbye. It is not a love affair that ended, because the love that I have for Milan will never end. I will keep watching from afar.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
What was Leao’s happiest memory in the Milan jersey?
“When you win trophies, these are things that stay with you. I will remember those to the end.”
There were ultimately only two in his tenure, the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana, although Leao was also named Serie A Player of the Year on one occasion after that title victory.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Did Leao want to remain at San Siro, or was the decision to move on this summer imposed upon him?
“These are moments when you have to make decisions. Milan remain Milan, the team is of a high level, with a great coach, and even if we didn’t spend much time together, Amorim is very good and can take Milan to achieve important things.
“He plays the kind of football that I like. I will keep watching Milan from afar and wish them all the best.”
MILAN, ITALY – JUNE 04: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with team mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic after scoring their sides second goal during the Serie A match between AC MIlan and Hellas Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on June 04, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Are there any special thanks that Leao wants to reserve for someone?
“All those who represented Milan and helped me. This is life, eras come to an end, even if Milan will continue to do wonderful things for their fans. The important thing is that Milan are at the top and continue winning. I wish them the best.”
Did he shed a tear?
“I cried a lot, naturally, there has to be emotion in these moments,” concluded Leao.
The Galatasaray directors arrived at the airport in Milan this evening with a private jet, where they will whisk Leao off to Turkiye to begin this new adventure.
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